Well, it only took me half of the month to catch up on life enough to complete my first blog post of the year. So much for starting the year with a consistent weekly post. Sheesh!! Anyway, let me get you all caught up on the life and times of me.

I brought in the new year with my honey and some friends and doing what I love to do…singing. We went originally to watch the show and Micah and Cat invited me up to join them on a couple of numbers. It was a blast!! Good company, good wine, good food and great memories.

Cat, Sara, Micah, Me, TomiIn my zone

As of last Friday (my weigh-in day), I am down 70lbs since this whole weight loss thing started (down 4lbs for the week). Physically, I feel fantastic. I can move around without pain and without getting winded. I had been on muscle relaxers for chronic back pain for years and I haven’t taken them since surgery day. I can climb up and down the stairs in my house without having to climb on hands and knees like a toddler. My wife and I can go on walks with the dogs. We can go out dancing and instead of just part of a song, I dance through several songs and only have to sit down because a song comes on that I don’t like. I am enjoying the new found freedom that losing weight has afforded me.

I do have to say that extreme weight loss is a blessing and a curse. It has been a mental test getting use to my body as it changes. There are parts of me that hang that didn’t use to. My skin feels different to me, my clothes fit differently. My skin is changing, my hair is changing. It’s definitely interesting getting to know myself all over again. I don’t always like how I look with or without clothes. Some days are definitely better than others but I am learning and coping as I go.

I’m learning a few things…

Working out needs to be a priority. It helps you have more effective weight loss and helps you to gain muscle while you are losing weight. I’m getting more consistent with workouts but it is still my least favorite thing to do.

It is super important to take care of yourself mentally. Make time to pray, meditate, journal and pamper yourself. All the change is a lot mentally so you do not want to neglect your self-care; whatever that looks like for you.

Get use to never eating a hot meal again. That sounds weird but I honestly have not had a hot meal since I had surgery. The reality is that you just can’t eat it fast enough. The one thing this surgery forces you to do is slow down. You have to chew more because you don’t want to swallow big chunks (even of soft food). Believe it or not, you will get use to it.

Surround yourself with positive people who want to see you succeed. They don’t have to be on a weight loss journey (although you should have a few of those people in your life). Just make sure that they are not the people who are constantly offering you all the junk food and starchy goodness. Make sure they are people who are willing to listen to the occasional rant about ill-fitting clothing and a not-so-delicious new food. Most importanly, they need to be good cheerleaders who are willing to encrourage and slap that muffin out of your hand if need be. Someone willing to go on a walk with you and your dogs or offer alternatives for getting together other than eating and drinking (crafting dates, walking dates, mani/pedi dates).

Now, we are all caught up and ready to get back to our regularly scheduled program. I will be back on Friday with my weekly weigh-in

I am so behind on my blogging!! There’s been a lot going on with work because my work mate was out for almost two weeks which doubled my work load. So lately, after sitting in front of one for 12+hrs for work, when I get home the last thing I want to do is look at a computer screen. Anyway, she’s back so hopefully my days can get back to some sense of MY normal.

Okay…this week’s list.

LIST THE HAPPIEST MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE SO FAR.

1.) The day I gave birth to my daughter. I was excited to get to spend her 25th birthday with her. I picked her up in the morning and we made a day of it. We had breakfast and then just spent the day hanging out and catching up.

2.) The day I met Tomi

3.) My wedding day!!!

4.) The day we found out my mom was in remission. Cancer sucks!!

5.) The first time that my dad let me sing the national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner) at the Tacoma Golden Gloves. I have been doing it for about 15yrs now.

6.) At age 15, my daughter was in a horrible car accident. She was in a coma for two weeks. When she woke up, that was one of the happiest moments of my life.

7.) Tomi and and the kids taking me to Disneyland for Christmas (2007)

8.) Our honeymoon in to Hawaii

9.) The birthday trips we took to Vegas (2007) and New Orleans (2014).

September by Earth, Wind & Fire is a great song. Who knew that this song, written and released before I was born, would become the anthem of my love and a theme song for one of my happiest days?
Twelve years ago, on this day, I met the woman who would become the love of my life. We have been together since that day. Tomi & I are like opposite sides of the same coin and we couldn’t be more perfect for one another. Three years ago, I started planning a commitment ceremony for us. During that year, my state pulled their heads out of their ass and made same-sex marriage legal, and our commitment ceremony planning became wedding planning. On this day, two years ago (10yrs after the day we met), I got to marry my best friend. It was an amazing day of celebration shared with our family and friends. I would do it all exactly the same every year if I could. So, in celebration of our anniversary, I will share the lyrics to a great song and pictures from my wedding. Because… LOVE!

September – Earth, Wind & Fire

Do you remember the 21st night of September?

Love was changing the minds of pretenders

While chasing the clouds away

Our hearts were ringing

In the key that our souls were singing.

As we danced in the night,

Remember how the stars stole the night away

Ba de ya, say do you remember
Ba de ya, dancing in September

Ba de ya, never was a cloudy day

Ba de ya de ya de ya
Ba de ya de ya de ya
Ba de ya de ya de ya de ya

My thoughts are with you
Holding hands with your heart to see you

Only blue talk and love,
Remember how we knew love was here to stay

Now December found the love that we shared in September.
Only blue talk and love,
Remember the true love we share today

Ba de ya, say do you remember
Ba de ya, dancing in September

Ba de ya, never was a cloudy day

Ba de ya, say do you remember
Ba de ya, dancing in September

Ba de ya, golden dreams were shinny days

Love bells was ringing
Our souls were singing
Do you remember, never a cloudy day

Here lately, it seems that I am always a day behind (at least). I blame the fact that I no longer have the structure of a job to keep me in check. There is nothing to keep me on schedule. I have been late mailing birthday cards and other sentiments and I pretty much have no social life anymore.
Anyway, I’m a day late but here is my list for February…

Mimi is the business and she always makes sure my hair is healthy and cute. I like to change it up!

Before & after

6.) My daughter and my mommy! Because they live 4hrs away, I don’t get to see them as often as I would like so every opportunity is a blessing.

7.) My smile! There was definitely a few rough patches but I made it through and I’m still able to smile.

8.) Valentine’s Day! This was the first time in 11+ years that we actually went out for this particular day. We just don’t get into it. My wife planned the whole thing which is saying a lot because she is not really a romance kinda chick. She bought me fancy under things, took me to an amazing dinner and then we went dancing. I had a blast!

9.) New life! I got a new, baby cousin on the 22nd. Her name is Meleeha Janae and she is beautiful. Congrats to CJ & Jazmine, the new parents! Also, congrats to my cousin Steph (Jazz’s mom), the new grandma!

10.) Weight loss! I am -60lbs than I was at this time last year and that feels AMAZING!

It’s our anniversary! Eleven years ago, I met the love of my life and we have been together ever since. One year ago today, we stood before our friends and family and vowed to love one another forever.
Tomi makes me so happy. I never knew love could be this good. She is truly my best friend and I thank God for her everyday. She is so selfless when it comes to loving and taking care of me. She is strong yet sensitive and equal parts beautiful and handsome. Our love has been an amazing adventure and I look forward to a couple of forevers with my love.

It’s the last day of the month. It has been a difficult 31 days but I am thankful to have made it through.

1.) Being unemployed – Was it planned? No. I just thank God that my spouse is able to support us. It has taken a bit of adjustment because I do like to shop but I am blessed. We are blessed.
2.) My Nook and my library card – I have been reading a lot more since I have not been working. I appreciate being able to check out books electronically as well as feeling the weight of a traditional book.

3.) Friends – New ones, those that have been staying in touch though we no longer work together, those that I’ve had for years and those that I consider family. I appreciate them all.

4.) Ideal Protein – Tomi and I are both doing well on the program. Dropping pounds like crazy!

5.) Wifi – It is so nice to have internet service at home. I really appreciate being able to stay in my underwear and search the interwebs if I choose instead of having to search it out in coffee shops and restaurants.